UKTV’s Dave announces medical comedy, Porters

Dave, UKTV’s free to air entertainment channel, has commissioned a new three part comedy series from Dan Sefton, creator of The Good Karma Hospital and writer on Mr Selfridge and Delicious.

The series focusses on “deluded” Simon Porter who dreams of passing his medical exam and becoming a doctor – but by starting at the bottom, and becoming the best porter the NHS has ever seen.

All he has to do is survive a few months grafting in a hospital basement and try not to kill any of the patients. How hard can that be?

Ed Easton (Inside No. 9, Chortle Awards 2015 Best Newcomer for Gein’s Family Giftshop) stars in the main role as rookie Simon alongside Susan Wokoma (Chewing Gum, Crazyhead) is the cynical, self-styled “Queen of the Porters” Frankie, with Claudia Jessie (Line of Duty, Josh) as the naïve nurse Lucy.

The series is being produced by Dancing Ledge Productions and directed by Vadim Jean (The Rebel, Henry IX, Leon The Pig Farmer).

Pete Thornton, UKTV senior commissioning editor, said, “Dan is a brilliantly original writer who’s crafted a world and set of characters that are rich with promise.

“Combined with a really fresh, exciting young cast, Porters has all the makings of an exceptionally strong new comedy.”

Steve North, Dave general manager, said, “Following the continuing strength and success of Red Dwarf and the superb reaction to Zapped last year, we know Dave viewers really enjoy our original scripted content.

“Porters is another welcome addition to our ever-growing slate.”

Laurence Bowen, executive producer at Dancing Ledge, said, “Dan Sefton is a rare find – an A-list TV writer who also works part time in an A&E ward in Tiverton!

“So producing his first medical comedy series for UKTV is a real treat. It’s authored, smart and full of wonderful characters – in fact everything we’ve set up Dancing Ledge Productions to celebrate.

“We want to establish ourselves as a creative home for top writing talent so this first commission for UKTV is an exciting start.”